Ms. Jade Thomas of Lake Joy Elementary School has been named the 2024-2025 Houston County Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at the District’s Opening Session held on July 24. She received over $16,000 in cash and prizes donated by organizations from throughout Houston County.

Ms. Thomas has been teaching for 7 years. She currently serves as a fourth-grade teacher and previously taught fifth grade, also at Lake Joy Elementary. Before stepping into the classroom, Ms. Thomas served in the Marine Corps for eight years.

Ms. Thomas said, "I provide all students with the opportunity to grow as creative and critical thinkers by believing challenging tasks are within reach, regardless of their ability levels. Students will reach their greatest potential because in Houston County, and in my classroom, striving for excellence is the standard!”

Four finalists were also announced as follows:

• Megan Jones, Veterans High School

• Andrea Skipper, Eagle Springs Elementary

• Shannon Ballard, Mossy Creek Middle School

• Kaley Hicks, Bonaire Middle School

This year, the school district enhanced the Support Person of the Year program to recognize the top five Support Person of the Year finalists from the school level and the six Support Person of the Year finalists from each district-level department.

Annette Pender from the Student Services Department was selected as the District-level Support Person of the Year, and Shay Massey from Mossy Creek Middle School was selected as the School-level Support Person of the Year.

Premier Sponsors included the Development Authority of Houston County, Flint Energies, H.E.A. Federal Credit Union, Houston Healthcare, Parrish Construction, The Roderick Group, Southside Baptist Church, Totem Business Solutions and Yancy Bus Sales & Service. Signature Sponsors included Central Georgia Technical College and Robins Financial Credit Union. Gold Sponsors were Centegix, Georgia Military College, SunMark Community Bank, and Synovus.

Approximately 60 local businesses and community organizations donated gifts for the Teachers of the Year and the Support Person of the Year finalists. A full list of contributors can be found on our website at www.hcbe.net/openingsession.

A full video of Opening Session can be found on the Houston County School District’s Facebook page.